Turkey Stuns US 3-2 With Last-Second Winner Despite Americans Winning World Cup Group/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Turkey scored with the final kick of the match to defeat the United States 3-2 in the final Group D game of the FIFA World Cup. Despite the defeat, the Americans had already secured first place in the group and now turn their attention to the knockout stage against Bosnia-Herzegovina.
USA vs Turkey World Cup Quick Looks
- Turkey defeated the United States 3-2 with a stoppage-time winner.
- Kaan Ayhan scored the decisive goal in the final seconds.
- The United States had already clinched first place in Group D.
- Christian Pulisic returned from injury as a second-half substitute.
- Mauricio Pochettino rested several starters ahead of the knockout stage.
- The U.S. will face Bosnia-Herzegovina in the Round of 32.
- Turkey ended its World Cup campaign with its first tournament victory.
Deep Look
Turkey Ends Tournament on a High
Turkey closed its FIFA World Cup campaign with a dramatic 3-2 victory over the United States after Kaan Ayhan scored with virtually the final kick of the match Thursday night at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
Already eliminated from the tournament after opening with two defeats, Turkey refused to ease off and was rewarded deep into stoppage time. Can Uzun broke free down the right side before sliding the ball across the goalmouth to Ayhan, who arrived to tap home the winner and secure Turkey’s lone victory of the competition.
The result ended the Americans’ unbeaten group-stage run but did not affect their position atop Group D.
United States Focuses on Knockout Stage
The United States had already secured first place in Group D with victories over Paraguay and Australia before taking the field.
Head coach Mauricio Pochettino rotated heavily, making nine changes to his starting lineup in an effort to keep key players fresh ahead of Wednesday’s Round of 32 clash against Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Despite the defeat, the Americans remain confident after a strong group-stage campaign that saw them qualify comfortably for the knockout rounds.
Fast Start Gives Way to Turkish Fightback
The home side made an ideal start when defender Auston Trusty headed home Sebastian Berhalter’s long corner in the third minute, sending the sellout crowd into celebration.
Turkey responded quickly through Real Madrid midfielder Arda Güler, who finished a slick attacking move in the 10th minute after combining with Baris Alper Yilmaz.
The visitors completed the first-half turnaround in the 31st minute when Güler helped create the opportunity that allowed Orkun Kökçü to score from close range.
Despite producing only two shots on target during the opening half, Turkey converted both chances to take a 2-1 lead into the break.
Berhalter Equalizes, Pulisic Returns
The Americans responded immediately after halftime.
Sebastian Berhalter equalized in the 49th minute with a powerful strike from outside the penalty area after pouncing on a loose ball.
Christian Pulisic made his long-awaited return in the 58th minute after missing nearly two weeks with a calf injury suffered during the tournament opener against Paraguay.
The AC Milan midfielder immediately energized the attack, creating several dangerous opportunities. Minutes after entering, he surged down the left wing to set up a scoring chance before nearly finding the net himself in the 63rd minute. His effort forced goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir into an excellent save that pushed the ball onto the post, while Brenden Aaronson was unable to convert the rebound.
Historic Night Despite Defeat
Although the result was disappointing, the United States continued to rewrite its World Cup record book.
Trusty’s early strike gave the Americans seven goals in the group stage, matching the nation’s highest scoring output before the knockout rounds.
The goal also became the 173rd scored at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, surpassing the total from the 2022 tournament despite being reached in four fewer matches.
The Americans now shift their focus to the knockout stage, where every match becomes win-or-go-home.
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